Latest news with #SOMTC
Malaysiakini
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Strengthening regional cooperation: Highlights of the 25th SOMTC Meeting and Its Related Meetings in Putrajaya
The 25th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) and Its Related Meetings were successfully convened over three days in Putrajaya, with a total of 200 delegates in attendance. This high-level meeting serves as a key platform for ASEAN Member States to align regional efforts in addressing transnational crimes, including contemporary security challenges such as human trafficking, money laundering and cybercrime. Day One (24 June 2025): Opening Ceremony and Malaysia's Strategic Recommendations The meeting was officiated by YB Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, Minister of Home Affairs, with the first day's plenary session chaired by YBhg. Datuk Awang Alik bin Jeman, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) Malaysia. During this session, ASEAN Member States exchanged insights on best practices, contemporary challenges, and recent policy initiatives in addressing transnational crime. The Malaysian delegation highlighted several notable initiatives, including integrated enforcement at national entry points, monitoring of undocumented migrants, and enhanced collaboration with enforcement agencies. Malaysia also put forward a proposal to establish a SOMTC Working Group on Anti-Money Laundering, aimed at addressing illicit financial flows in the region, as well as the development of the ASEAN Plan of Action to Combat Transnational Crime (2026–2035). This proposal received strong support from Member States and is recommended to be tabled at the upcoming ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) in September 2025. The meeting also deliberated on issues concerning funding for security operations and technical cooperation with dialogue partners such as the United Kingdom, UNODC, and ASEAN-ACT. Presentations from these partners provided comprehensive insights into future cooperation on cybercrime, capacity building, and strategic mapping of regional security risks. The Retreat Session was also held on the first day, where the SOMTC Heads of Delegation exchanged views on expanding the scope of cybercrime and funding for regional cooperation. Day Two (25 June 2025): Consultations with ASEAN Dialogue Partners Four (4) SOMTC Consultation Sessions with ASEAN Dialogue Partners were held as follows: 13th SOMTC + Canada Consultation , co-chaired by Lao PDR 13th SOMTC + New Zealand Consultation , co-chaired by Viet Nam 12th SOMTC + India Consultation , co-chaired by Philippines 12th SOMTC + Russia Consultation, co-chaired by Myanmar Malaysia presented substantive interventions across several aspects of strategic cooperation, including: Capacity building through technical training and officer exchange programs Advancing the use of technology in digital crime detection Developing protocols for cross-border intelligence sharing These consultation sessions also offered opportunities to explore technology synergies and knowledge exchange, reflecting Malaysia's role in driving digital transformation in law enforcement. The second-day meeting concluded by midday, allowing delegates to engage and strengthen ties through participation in side programs and informal gatherings. Day Three (26 June 2025): Malaysia's Leadership in Multilateral Consultations Malaysia demonstrated its continued regional leadership with YBhg. Datuk Awang Alik bin Jeman serving as Co-Chair in two major consultation sessions: 22nd SOMTC + 3 Consultation , involving Japan, China, and South Korea, co-chaired with H.E. Minami Hiroyuki from Japan 22nd SOMTC + China Consultation, co-chaired with H.E. Jun Tan from the People's Republic of China Several other consultation sessions included: 21st SOMTC + Japan , co-chaired by Singapore 18th SOMTC + Republic of Korea , co-chaired by Thailand 19th SOMTC + Australia , co-chaired by Indonesia 13th SOMTC + European Union , co-chaired by Brunei Darussalam 17th SOMTC + United States, co-chaired by Cambodia Malaysia reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to strengthening practical cooperation, enhancing information exchange, and building the operational capacity of Member States in addressing rising complexity of transnational crime threats. Bilateral Meetings: Multi-Layered Diplomacy Throughout the three-days meeting, Malaysia held several bilateral meetings with its strategic partners, including Singapore, the United States, Australia, India, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Key discussions included: Harmonisation of international conventions on trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants Development of joint training pathways and regional digital information platforms Strengthening Regional Resilience in a New Era The 25th SOMTC Meeting served as a vital platform for strengthening regional security cooperation, in line with ASEAN's vision of a peaceful, resilient, and transnational crime-free region. Malaysia further consolidated its leadership role in policy coordination, strategic negotiations, and operational cooperation, emphasizing that ASEAN security is a collective responsibility that requires proactive measures and long-term strategic thinking—aligned with the theme of 'inclusivity and sustainability' under Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. This content is provided by Ministry of Home Affairs of Malaysia (MOHA) The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini. 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The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
UK joins Asean talks on transnational crime for the first time
JAKARTA/KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): The United Kingdom has for the first time participated in the Asean Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) through an open consultation during the forum's 25th session held in Putrajaya, Malaysia from June 23 to 27. The UK's involvement, represented by its Home Office Director of International Strategy, Engagement and Devolution Asim Hafeez, marks a significant step in its expanding partnership with Southeast Asia on regional security and law enforcement, according to a statement from the UK Mission to Asean. During the session, the UK and Vietnam jointly presented a proposal for future regional efforts to combat trafficking in persons and scam centres, which were described as causing serious harm and undermining security across the region. The engagement builds on existing UK-ASEAN cooperation, including a partnership between the UK's National Crime Agency and the ASEAN Chiefs of Police (ASEANPOL), and support for establishing an ASEAN Money Laundering Working Group in partnership with Malaysia and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). UK Ambassador to Asean Sarah Tiffin said the country was committed to working with Asean to tackle serious organised crime. "These crimes not only harm individuals and communities, they erode trust, fuel corruption, weaken governance, and threaten the rule of law,' she said. She said that the UK is pleased to support regional efforts against fraud and illicit finance, which are seen as drivers of organised crime and instability. The UK has pledged to back the UNODC-INTERPOL Global Fraud Summit in Vienna in March 2026 and will host an Illicit Finance Summit in London, both aimed at strengthening international cooperation and advancing global standards. Malaysia, which holds the Asean chair in 2025, also welcomed the deeper ties with the UK, particularly in efforts to strengthen financial integrity, tackle online scams, and dismantle criminal networks exploiting regional vulnerabilities. - Bernama
The Sun
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
ASEAN SOMTC focuses on combating 10 cross-border crimes
KUALA LUMPUR: The 25th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) concluded in Putrajaya after five days of intensive discussions aimed at combating 10 major cross-border crimes affecting the region. The meeting, hosted by Malaysia as the ASEAN Chair, focused on terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, drug smuggling, wildlife and timber trafficking, and money laundering. Mohamad Azlan Razali, secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) International Division, highlighted Malaysia's key role in shaping short-term and long-term action plans to strengthen regional crime-fighting efforts. 'The SOMTC platform allows us to move collectively and coordinate actions at regional and domestic levels,' Mohamad Azlan said during an appearance on Bernama TV's 'ASEAN: From Kuala Lumpur to the World' programme. He emphasised the importance of partnerships with dialogue countries like the US and China in knowledge and technology transfer. The meeting, which began on June 23, included senior officials from all ASEAN member states, observer country Timor-Leste, and representatives from 10 dialogue partners, including the US, China, the UK, and Australia. One key challenge discussed was the differing legal frameworks among ASEAN nations, particularly in handling crimes like drug trafficking. To address this, a long-term initiative involves publishing a legal handbook to serve as a common reference for member countries. 'Through this handbook, each member country can review their legislation to better combat cross-border crimes,' Mohamad Azlan explained. The SOMTC also facilitates strategic information sharing among ASEAN nations to dismantle transnational crime syndicates more effectively. For instance, close cooperation between Malaysian police and neighbouring countries has helped rescue citizens trapped in scam call centres abroad.
The Star
25-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Asean urged to use AI against cybercrime
PUTRAJAYA: New technologies such as the use of artificial intelligence (AI) are needed to fight online financial crimes and ransomware attacks plaguing Asean, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. The Home Affairs Minister said the use of such new technologies will help enforcement authorities in the region work together to detect, prevent and tackle new emerging crimes in the region. 'The rise of cybercrimes, from financial scams to ransomware attacks, shows that this is not just a future problem. It is a pressing issue right now. 'Our digital intelligence must evolve as fast as technologies do, which means we must responsibly adopt new technologies such as the use of AI to significantly improve detection, prevention and enforcement against these crimes,' he said in his speech at the opening 25th Asean Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) here yesterday. While the use of new technologies is crucial, Saifuddin Nasution said it is only part of the solution in combating cyber threats in the Asean region. 'While we may have the use of these new tools, the true strength comes from our collective responses. 'This includes trust, sharing of information and building on each other's capabilities,' he added. He said efforts to combat regional transborder crimes must be equally matched with willingness among Asean member states to act decisively. 'What we need is not only our alignment but also the courage to confront new and hybrid threats,' he said, adding that this includes discarding outdated mechanisms and making bold decisions. He reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to fighting transboundary crimes. 'It is crucial for the safety and stability of the shared prosperity of Asean. 'Without security, there can be no prosperity and without peace, there can be no meaningful progress,' he said. Saifuddin Nasution also said that Malaysia continues to hold on firmly to Asean's core principle of neutrality. He said this is even more crucial for Asean now in the currently divided global landscape.
Malaysian Reserve
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
Saifuddin Nasution: ASEAN must work closer together to combat growing cybercrime threats
PUTRAJAYA — The rising threats of cybercrime, ranging from financial scams to ransomware attacks, highlight the urgent need for stronger and more coordinated cooperation among ASEAN member states, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Saifuddin Nasution said these crimes have emerged as a serious and pressing challenge in today's digital age. 'It clearly shows us that this is not just a future problem; it is a pressing issue right now. Our digital defences must evolve as fast as technology does. 'This means we must adopt new technologies, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI), to significantly improve how we detect, prevent and enforce laws against these crimes,' he said when opening the 25th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crimes (SOMTC) and Its Related Meetings here today. However, Saifuddin Nasution noted that technology alone is not enough, stressing that the true strength of the collective response lies in trust, information-sharing and building each other's capabilities even as new tools are embraced. He called on ASEAN member states to strengthen collaboration through platforms such as the SOMTC to ensure regional efforts keep pace with fast-evolving cyber threats. Malaysia, he said, remains committed to working closely with ASEAN partners to safeguard the region's digital landscape. 'This is crucial for our shared goals of peace, safety and stability in the region. We believe this is not just something we should do; it's something we must do,' he said. Saifuddin Nasution emphasised that in today's increasingly fragmented global environment, international cooperation remains the cornerstone of regional stability. He said such cooperation is not only vital in addressing shared security threats but also in preserving economic resilience and maintaining public trust in institutions. 'We believe that not choosing sides is not a sign of passivity. It is, in fact, a strategic approach that protects our collective credibility, preserves our sovereignty and strengthens our unity. 'ASEAN's strength has always stemmed from its unity and inclusivity in diversity,' he said. He added that ASEAN must now ensure its commitment to consensus is matched by a readiness to act decisively in the face of evolving challenges. 'What we need is not only alignment but also courage to confront new and hybrid threats, courage to reform outdated mechanisms, courage to make bold policy decisions in the interest of our people's safety and dignity,' he said. He also recalled Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's remarks at the opening of the 46th ASEAN Summit last month urging member states to be both practical and principled, to look ahead with optimism and to act with firm determination in navigating regional and global challenges. Regarding SOMTC, Saifuddin Nasution described it as more than just a routine gathering but a strong reflection of ASEAN's collective commitment to combating transnational crime. He said the meeting plays an important role in strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing enforcement efforts and encouraging the exchange of best practices in addressing crimes that cross national borders. — BERNAMA
